Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care 3rd
Edition Test Bank
Chapter 01: Practicing the Science and Art of Psychiatric Nursing
Varcarolis: Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, 3rd Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which outcome, focused on recovery, would be expected in the plan
of care for a patient living in the community and diagnosed with
serious and persistent mental illness? Within 3 months, the patient
will:
a. deny suicidal ideation.
b. report a sense of well-being.
c. take medications as prescribed.
d. attend clinic appointments on time.
ANS: B
Recovery emphasizes managing symptoms, reducing psychosocial disability, and improving
role performance. The goal of recovery is to empower the individual with mental illness to
achieve a sense of meaning and satisfaction in life and to function at the highest possible level
of wellness. The incorrect options focus on the classic medical model rather than recovery.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application (Applying) REF: Page 5
TOP: Nursing Process: Outcomes Identification
MSC: NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance
2. A patient is hospitalized for depression and suicidal ideation after their spouse asks for a
divorce. Select the nurse’s most caring comment.
a. “Let’s discuss some means of coping other than suicide when you have these
feelings.”
b. “I understand why you’re so depressed. When I got divorced, I was devastated
too.”
c. “You should forget about your marriage and move on with your life.”
d. “How did you get so depressed that hospitalization was necessary?”
ANS: A
The nurse’s communication should evidence caring and a commitment to work with the
patient. This commitment lets the patient know the nurse will help. Probing and advice are not
helpful or therapeutic interventions.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application (Applying) REF: Page 6 | Page 7
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity
, Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care 3rd
Edition Test Bank
3. In the shift-change report, an off-going nurse criticizes a patient who wears heavy makeup.
Which comment by the nurse who receives the report best demonstrates advocacy?
a. “This is a psychiatric hospital, so we expect our patients to behave bizarrely.”
b. “Let’s all show acceptance of this patient by wearing lots of makeup too.”
c. “Your comments are inconsiderate and inappropriate. Keep the report objective.”
d. “Our patients need our help to learn behaviors that will help them get along in
society.”
ANS: D
Accepting patients’ needs for self-expression and seeking to teach skills that will contribute to
their well-being demonstrate respect and are important parts of advocacy. The on-coming
nurse needs to take action to ensure that others are not prejudiced against the patient. Humor
can be appropriate within the privacy of a shift report but not at the expense of respect for
patients. Judging the off-going nurse in a critical way will create conflict. Nurses must show
compassion for each other.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application (Applying)
REF: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 6 | Page 7 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Safe, Effective Care Environment
4. A nurse assesses a newly admitted patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which
statement is an example of “attending”?
a. “We all have stress in life. Being in a psychiatric hospital is not the end of the
world.”
b. “Tell me why you felt you had to be hospitalized to receive treatment for your
depression.”
c. “You will feel better after we get some antidepressant medication started for you.”
d. “I’d like to sit with you a while so you may feel more comfortable talking with
me.”
ANS: D
Attending is a technique that demonstrates the nurse’s commitment to the relationship and
reduces feelings of isolation. This technique shows respect for the patient and demonstrates
caring. Generalizations, probing, and false reassurances are non-therapeutic.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application (Applying) REF: Page 6 | Page 7
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity
5. A patient shows the nurse an article from the Internet about a health problem. Which
characteristic of the web site’s address most alerts the nurse that the site may have biased and
prejudiced information?
a. Address ends in “.org”
b. Address ends in “.com”
c. Address ends in “.gov”
d. Address ends in “.net”
ANS: B
Financial influences on a site are a clue that the information may be biased. “.com” at the end
of the address indicates that the site is a commercial one. “.gov” indicates that the site is
maintained by a government entity. “.org” indicates that the site is nonproprietary; the site
may or may not have reliable information, but it does not profit from its activities. “.net” can
have multiple meanings.
, Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care 3rd
Edition Test Bank
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension (Understanding) REF: Page 4 | Page 5
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance
6. A nurse says, “When I was in school, I learned to call upset patients by name to get their
attention; however, I read a descriptive research study that says that this approach does not
work. I plan to stop calling patients by name.” Which statement is the best appraisal of this
nurse’s comment?
a. One descriptive research study rarely provides enough evidence to change practice.
b. Staff nurses apply new research findings only with the help from clinical nurse
specialists.
c. New research findings should be incorporated into clinical algorithms before using
them in practice.
d. The nurse misinterpreted the results of the study. Classic tenets of practice do not
change.
ANS: A
Descriptive research findings provide evidence for practice but must be viewed in relation to
other studies before practice changes. One study is not enough. Descriptive studies are low on
the hierarchy of evidence. Clinical algorithms use flowcharts to manage problems and do not
specify one response to a clinical problem. Classic tenets of practice should change as
research findings provide evidence for change.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis (Analyzing) REF: Page 3 | Page 8 (Table 1-1)
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance
7. Two nursing students discuss career plans after graduation. One student wants to enter
psychiatric nursing. The other student asks, “Why would you want to be a psychiatric nurse?
All they do is talk. You will lose your skills.” Select the best response by the student
interested in psychiatric nursing.
a. “Psychiatric nurses practice in safer environments than other specialties and nurse-
to-patient ratios are better because of the nature of patients’ problems.”
b. “Psychiatric nurses use complex communication skills, as well as critical thinking,
to solve multidimensional problems. I’m challenged by those situations.”
c. “I think I will be good in the mental health field. I do not like clinical rotations in
school, so I do not want to continue them after I graduate.”
d. “Psychiatric nurses do not have to deal with as much pain and suffering as medical
surgical nurses. That appeals to me.”
ANS: B
The practice of psychiatric nursing requires a different set of skills than medical surgical
nursing, although substantial overlap does exist. Psychiatric nurses must be able to help
patients with medical and mental health problems, reflecting the holistic perspective these
nurses must have. Nurse-patient ratios and workloads in psychiatric settings have increased,
similar to other specialties. Psychiatric nursing involves clinical practice, not simply
documentation. Psychosocial pain is real and can cause as much suffering as physical pain.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application (Applying) REF: Page 3 | Page 6
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Safe, Effective Care Environment
8. Which research evidence would most influence a group of nurses to change their practice?
a. Expert committee report of recommendations for practice
b. Systematic review of randomized controlled trials
, Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care 3rd
Edition Test Bank
c. Non-experimental descriptive study
d. Critical pathway
ANS: B
Research findings are graded using a hierarchy of evidence. A systematic review of
randomized controlled trials is level A and provides the strongest evidence for changing
practice. Expert committee recommendations and descriptive studies lend less powerful and
influential evidence. A critical pathway is not evidence; it incorporates research findings after
they have been analyzed.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension (Understanding) REF: Page 3 | Page 8 (Table 1-1)
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Safe, Effective Care Environment
9. A bill introduced in Congress would reduce funding for the care of people diagnosed with
mental illnesses. A group of nurses write letters to their elected representatives in opposition
to the legislation. Which role have the nurses fulfilled?
a. Advocacy
b. Attending
c. Recovery
d. Evidence-based practice
ANS: A
An advocate defends or asserts another’s cause, particularly when the other person lacks the
ability to do that for him or herself. Examples of individual advocacy include helping patients
understand their rights or make decisions. On a community scale, advocacy includes political
activity, public speaking, and publication in the interest of improving the individuals with
mental illness; the letter-writing campaign advocates for that cause on behalf of patients who
are unable to articulate their own needs.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension (Understanding)
REF: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 6 | Page 7 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Safe, Effective Care Environment
10. An informal group of patients discuss their perceptions of nursing care. Which comment best
indicates a patient’s perception that his or her nurse is caring?
a. “My nurse always asks me which type of juice I want to help me swallow my
medication.”
b. “My nurse explained my treatment plan to me and asked for my ideas about how to
make it better.”
c. “My nurse told me that if I take all the medicines the doctor prescribes I will get
discharged soon.”
d. “My nurse spends time listening to me talk about my problems. That helps me feel
like I’m not alone.”
ANS: D
Caring evidences empathic understanding as well as competency. It helps change pain and
suffering into a shared experience, creating a human connection that alleviates feelings of
isolation. The incorrect options give examples of statements that demonstrate advocacy or
giving advice.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application (Applying) REF: Page 6 | Page 7
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity
Edition Test Bank
Chapter 01: Practicing the Science and Art of Psychiatric Nursing
Varcarolis: Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, 3rd Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which outcome, focused on recovery, would be expected in the plan
of care for a patient living in the community and diagnosed with
serious and persistent mental illness? Within 3 months, the patient
will:
a. deny suicidal ideation.
b. report a sense of well-being.
c. take medications as prescribed.
d. attend clinic appointments on time.
ANS: B
Recovery emphasizes managing symptoms, reducing psychosocial disability, and improving
role performance. The goal of recovery is to empower the individual with mental illness to
achieve a sense of meaning and satisfaction in life and to function at the highest possible level
of wellness. The incorrect options focus on the classic medical model rather than recovery.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application (Applying) REF: Page 5
TOP: Nursing Process: Outcomes Identification
MSC: NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance
2. A patient is hospitalized for depression and suicidal ideation after their spouse asks for a
divorce. Select the nurse’s most caring comment.
a. “Let’s discuss some means of coping other than suicide when you have these
feelings.”
b. “I understand why you’re so depressed. When I got divorced, I was devastated
too.”
c. “You should forget about your marriage and move on with your life.”
d. “How did you get so depressed that hospitalization was necessary?”
ANS: A
The nurse’s communication should evidence caring and a commitment to work with the
patient. This commitment lets the patient know the nurse will help. Probing and advice are not
helpful or therapeutic interventions.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application (Applying) REF: Page 6 | Page 7
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity
, Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care 3rd
Edition Test Bank
3. In the shift-change report, an off-going nurse criticizes a patient who wears heavy makeup.
Which comment by the nurse who receives the report best demonstrates advocacy?
a. “This is a psychiatric hospital, so we expect our patients to behave bizarrely.”
b. “Let’s all show acceptance of this patient by wearing lots of makeup too.”
c. “Your comments are inconsiderate and inappropriate. Keep the report objective.”
d. “Our patients need our help to learn behaviors that will help them get along in
society.”
ANS: D
Accepting patients’ needs for self-expression and seeking to teach skills that will contribute to
their well-being demonstrate respect and are important parts of advocacy. The on-coming
nurse needs to take action to ensure that others are not prejudiced against the patient. Humor
can be appropriate within the privacy of a shift report but not at the expense of respect for
patients. Judging the off-going nurse in a critical way will create conflict. Nurses must show
compassion for each other.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application (Applying)
REF: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 6 | Page 7 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Safe, Effective Care Environment
4. A nurse assesses a newly admitted patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which
statement is an example of “attending”?
a. “We all have stress in life. Being in a psychiatric hospital is not the end of the
world.”
b. “Tell me why you felt you had to be hospitalized to receive treatment for your
depression.”
c. “You will feel better after we get some antidepressant medication started for you.”
d. “I’d like to sit with you a while so you may feel more comfortable talking with
me.”
ANS: D
Attending is a technique that demonstrates the nurse’s commitment to the relationship and
reduces feelings of isolation. This technique shows respect for the patient and demonstrates
caring. Generalizations, probing, and false reassurances are non-therapeutic.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application (Applying) REF: Page 6 | Page 7
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity
5. A patient shows the nurse an article from the Internet about a health problem. Which
characteristic of the web site’s address most alerts the nurse that the site may have biased and
prejudiced information?
a. Address ends in “.org”
b. Address ends in “.com”
c. Address ends in “.gov”
d. Address ends in “.net”
ANS: B
Financial influences on a site are a clue that the information may be biased. “.com” at the end
of the address indicates that the site is a commercial one. “.gov” indicates that the site is
maintained by a government entity. “.org” indicates that the site is nonproprietary; the site
may or may not have reliable information, but it does not profit from its activities. “.net” can
have multiple meanings.
, Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care 3rd
Edition Test Bank
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension (Understanding) REF: Page 4 | Page 5
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance
6. A nurse says, “When I was in school, I learned to call upset patients by name to get their
attention; however, I read a descriptive research study that says that this approach does not
work. I plan to stop calling patients by name.” Which statement is the best appraisal of this
nurse’s comment?
a. One descriptive research study rarely provides enough evidence to change practice.
b. Staff nurses apply new research findings only with the help from clinical nurse
specialists.
c. New research findings should be incorporated into clinical algorithms before using
them in practice.
d. The nurse misinterpreted the results of the study. Classic tenets of practice do not
change.
ANS: A
Descriptive research findings provide evidence for practice but must be viewed in relation to
other studies before practice changes. One study is not enough. Descriptive studies are low on
the hierarchy of evidence. Clinical algorithms use flowcharts to manage problems and do not
specify one response to a clinical problem. Classic tenets of practice should change as
research findings provide evidence for change.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis (Analyzing) REF: Page 3 | Page 8 (Table 1-1)
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance
7. Two nursing students discuss career plans after graduation. One student wants to enter
psychiatric nursing. The other student asks, “Why would you want to be a psychiatric nurse?
All they do is talk. You will lose your skills.” Select the best response by the student
interested in psychiatric nursing.
a. “Psychiatric nurses practice in safer environments than other specialties and nurse-
to-patient ratios are better because of the nature of patients’ problems.”
b. “Psychiatric nurses use complex communication skills, as well as critical thinking,
to solve multidimensional problems. I’m challenged by those situations.”
c. “I think I will be good in the mental health field. I do not like clinical rotations in
school, so I do not want to continue them after I graduate.”
d. “Psychiatric nurses do not have to deal with as much pain and suffering as medical
surgical nurses. That appeals to me.”
ANS: B
The practice of psychiatric nursing requires a different set of skills than medical surgical
nursing, although substantial overlap does exist. Psychiatric nurses must be able to help
patients with medical and mental health problems, reflecting the holistic perspective these
nurses must have. Nurse-patient ratios and workloads in psychiatric settings have increased,
similar to other specialties. Psychiatric nursing involves clinical practice, not simply
documentation. Psychosocial pain is real and can cause as much suffering as physical pain.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application (Applying) REF: Page 3 | Page 6
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Safe, Effective Care Environment
8. Which research evidence would most influence a group of nurses to change their practice?
a. Expert committee report of recommendations for practice
b. Systematic review of randomized controlled trials
, Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care 3rd
Edition Test Bank
c. Non-experimental descriptive study
d. Critical pathway
ANS: B
Research findings are graded using a hierarchy of evidence. A systematic review of
randomized controlled trials is level A and provides the strongest evidence for changing
practice. Expert committee recommendations and descriptive studies lend less powerful and
influential evidence. A critical pathway is not evidence; it incorporates research findings after
they have been analyzed.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension (Understanding) REF: Page 3 | Page 8 (Table 1-1)
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Safe, Effective Care Environment
9. A bill introduced in Congress would reduce funding for the care of people diagnosed with
mental illnesses. A group of nurses write letters to their elected representatives in opposition
to the legislation. Which role have the nurses fulfilled?
a. Advocacy
b. Attending
c. Recovery
d. Evidence-based practice
ANS: A
An advocate defends or asserts another’s cause, particularly when the other person lacks the
ability to do that for him or herself. Examples of individual advocacy include helping patients
understand their rights or make decisions. On a community scale, advocacy includes political
activity, public speaking, and publication in the interest of improving the individuals with
mental illness; the letter-writing campaign advocates for that cause on behalf of patients who
are unable to articulate their own needs.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension (Understanding)
REF: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 6 | Page 7 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Safe, Effective Care Environment
10. An informal group of patients discuss their perceptions of nursing care. Which comment best
indicates a patient’s perception that his or her nurse is caring?
a. “My nurse always asks me which type of juice I want to help me swallow my
medication.”
b. “My nurse explained my treatment plan to me and asked for my ideas about how to
make it better.”
c. “My nurse told me that if I take all the medicines the doctor prescribes I will get
discharged soon.”
d. “My nurse spends time listening to me talk about my problems. That helps me feel
like I’m not alone.”
ANS: D
Caring evidences empathic understanding as well as competency. It helps change pain and
suffering into a shared experience, creating a human connection that alleviates feelings of
isolation. The incorrect options give examples of statements that demonstrate advocacy or
giving advice.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application (Applying) REF: Page 6 | Page 7
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity
